You will be going nowhere as one of these 'travel agents'

The scam: Become a travel agent

How it works: Consumers receive offers via mail or e-mail promising travel at the same discounted rate given to accredited travel agents. After you pay a fee, the company grants you “credentials” that supposedly let you access travel-agent freebies and discounts. The problem is that hotels, airlines and other travel-industry operators don't recognize these credentials because they bear no relation to the legitimate travel agent organizations such as the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA), the International Airlines Transport Association (IATA) or the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

What to do: Pass up the offer. Travel agents are specially trained, and their credentials aren't for sale.

Whom to report it to: File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, (877) 382-4357 or ftc.gov